Mental health is a big topic of discussion at the moment with many feeling the effects this past year has had on them. An easy way to improve one’s mood and help reduce anxiety is lavender. Lavender is known for its stress-relieving qualities including helping to slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure which all help to reduce stress and anxiety. This is why the lavender scent can often be found in many lotions and sprays.
Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions in the UK with one in five people reporting feelings of anxiousness a lot or all of the time.
In fact, more than 45 million working days have been lost due to anxiety in the past three years.
Research suggests that uniquely prepared, pharmaceutical quality lavender oil could help to reduce feelings of anxiety.
Health experts believe lavender oil can reduce excessive neurotransmitter activity thus reducing overstimulation and hyperactivity of the nervous response and helping to improve symptoms of anxiety.
Taking a lavender capsule every day can relieve the symptoms of anxiety – and the benefits are clear in just two weeks, experts said.
More than 15 clinical trials have shown the uniquely prepared, pharmaceutical quality lavender oil can relieve the symptoms for those suffering a mild disorder.
Scientists found the capsules were ‘as effective’ as commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications.
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In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, essential oil of lavender in helping to treat anxiety disorders was investigated.
The study noted: “Anxiety disorders are some of the most common psychiatric disorders, with potentially debilitating consequences on individual function.
“Lavender essential oil has an extensive anecdotal history of anxiolytic benefit that has recently been supported by clinical efficacy studies.
“Essential oil of lavender is purported to be antibacterial, antifungal, anxiolytic, antidepressant, analgesic, carminative (smooth-muscle relaxant), as well as to have beneficial immunomodulatory effects on wound healing.”
Lavender is commonly used for anxiety, stress, and insomnia, said WebMed.
The site continued: “It is also used for depression, dementia, pain after surgery, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
Lavender contains an oil that seems to have sedating effects and might relax certain muscles. It also seems to have antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Professor of psychiatry Dr Siegfried Kasper said: “This is a very exciting development for anxiety as the research demonstrates that lavender oil capsules not only reduce both physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety but also have a beneficial effect on health-related quality of life.
“The added benefit is that lavender oil works without problems such as sedation, addiction or interaction with other medications.
“Benefits of using lavender oil capsules are evident after only just two weeks.”
It’s important to consult with your GP before taking any new supplements to help with your anxiety.
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